Almost 100 jobs are under threat after retailer Marks & Spencer announced plans to close one of its stores in the Black Country.

The company is now consulting 94 staff at its shop in Walsall about the proposal as part of wider plans which could see 14 M&S stores shut nationwide.

The company will continue to operate its others stores in the West Midlands including in Birmingham city centre, Longbridge, Wolverhampton and Sutton Coldfield among others.

Andy Barber, head of the West Midlands for Marks & Spencer, said: "Proposing to close in Walsall has been a difficult decision and we will be fully supporting our loyal colleagues during this process.

"Over the coming weeks, we will be speaking to each one individually about what is right for them.

"We remain committed to the area and customers can continue to shop with us at our nearby Wednesbury Foodhall which is just three miles away."

Sacha Berendji, retail, operations and property director, added: "Closing stores isn't easy but it is vital for the future of M&S.

"Where we have closed stores, we are seeing an encouraging number of customers moving to nearby stores and enjoying shopping with us in a better environment which is why we're continuing to transform our estate with pace."

The move is part of a much larger reduction in its portfolio of shops across the UK which was announced in November 2016.

The plan is to close 100 stores by 2022, including 21 that have already shut and the 14 stores announced today.